Can I make an inline mute switch for headphones?

PardonTheWait

PardonTheWait

PardonTheWait

Soldato
Joined
26 Aug 2003
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I have a set of Shure headphones which I've occasionally worn on the bike, but stopped because I feel a bit weird about not being able to mute them or lower the volume when I'm in town. If I can hear them on the motorway, they're a little dangerous in town I feel.

The headphones have a very short cable which goes into an extender, which leaves somewhere where I could insert a mute/volume switch at a convenient place... is it easily doable? I can work a soldering iron. So would I be able to make up a little switch that the extension plugs into, then I plug it in to the headphones?

Any help appreciated :)
 
The real question is, do you have the tools to make one? If not will it be cheaper to buy one?

KaHn
 
I haven't been able to find one to buy, I assume that all I'd need to bodge one up is a soldering iron, some wire, connectors and heatshrink?

I've been looking at helmet speakers as well so I'd have more awareness, but I don't think they have a volume control either.

If it's a massive pain I just won't bother, but if I can knock one up in a couple of hours I'll look into it
 
PardonTheWait said:
cheers :)
Click to expand...

You can find more if you look for inline remote controls, you will find generic ones for all head phones. Also most will just have volume switchs (basically a little rehostat(sp?)) to control it and not a mute button.

KaHn
 
to make one is easy, just make the switch so it switches the L&R pins, and leave the ground connected. You could build one for under a fiver, plus you can choose what sort of switch you want. :)
 
By the time you've bought all the tools and material and parts, spent time on it...I think you could easily bought 10 of these things + it's most likely have better finish than yours.
 
PardonTheWait said:
That's the boy, perfect. Buying's better, I just didn't know there was something as simple as that about. Cheers :)
Click to expand...

As I said if you want a proper "Mute" switch you might have to make on but im sure a volume control thing will do the trick :)

KaHn
 
Reviving an older thread but if I use a 'Headphone volume control' unit between my PC (Xonar D1) and stereo headphones will I notice any quality/dolby headphone etc difference or is it just plain and simple volume adjustment :)
 
Depends which one you get I guess?

If you go down the Amplifier route with Vol control; then yes this will probably mess with the signal.

If you choose the cheap and nasty dial switch type; then maybe you will loose sound 'quality' (Depends on how well made it is) but not any of the effects.

Let us know how you get on.
 
Shaddow said:
Does that help with the sound quality issues? - and do you have an example product?

(I'm looking at getting something to do this also)
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Mine looks a lot like this:

step082710.jpg


Only I used cheapy 1% metal film resistors, and that pic shows fancy Vishay Dale resistors.

Benefits include much better channel matching due to virtually non-existant gang error, and I've heard reports that they last longer too. Virtually everyone who uses one prefers the sound of a SA to a pot...

You can buy them pre soldered also, as it does take a long time solder in almost 100 resistors! :eek: I needed a 4k impedance, which is why I ended up selecting my own resistors and soldering it myself...
 
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